Pharmacy Voice is disappointed with today's announcement that the cost of an NHS prescription in England will rise 20p to £7.85 from April 1st.

Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said:

"We are disappointed with the increase; prescription charges deter many people from getting medicines which their doctor prescribes. Patients on low incomes who do not qualify for exemption suffer the most. Patients often have to make the decision of what medicine they can take based on their finances.

"From a pharmacist's point of view, processing prescription levies is part of the job that adds workload but no patient benefit. Pharmacists, like other health care professionals, experience great pressures on their time and any release of time could be used to enhance patient care."

For further information, please contact the NPA Press Office on 01727 795901 or 07920 203051, or email communications@npa.co.uk.

The members of Pharmacy Voice are the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp), the Company Chemists' Association (CCA) and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).